This is a live-blog report on events in Iran on the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. As reports come in, they will be placed at the top of this page. To read this in chronological order it must be read from the bottom up.

It’s still very early to be drawing conclusions from today’s events, as people are still out in the streets. But one thing I’m struck by is just how much the government has been in control today. Sure, they chartered busses and lured tens of thousands to the official government rally with free food, but they have also managed to keep the opposition activities largely on their terms today.

How can one say that “the government of Iran managed to keep opposition activities largly on their terms today”?

Under what basis? Hasn’t the fact that the Opposition has used non-violent protests for 8 months to counter the regime’s lies and brutality, to the point that the regime cannot stop the protests, cannot prevent the videos from being broadcast instantaneously to the world, and now has had to seemingly calibrate its brutality to the point that it is starting to try to reduce casualties, actually shown that it is the Greens that have the regime on their terms?

Think about it. The protests took place, thousands entered the streets and chanted against the regime with slogans like “Referendum! Referendum!” and “Free Political Prisoners!”, they confronted and faced the regime forces–and this time, the regime had to use so much more security presence than on past protest days–and they suffered far less casualties than on Ashura and many other bloody protest days. This means that the regime cannot stifle the voices of the people. It is being heard loud and clear, both inside Iran–even on official government channels to the behest of the regime–and outside Iran, to the world. This means the regime simply can’t stop this cycle of protests against them. They will continue to get weaker, more cracks will form in their islamo-mafioso social structures, more of their money has to get spent on paying for their vast security apparatuses, more pressure will be applied via sanctions targeting the IRGC, or the threat thereof and more Iranians, from more cities, towns and villages add their voices to the calls for freedoom and justice.

[6:15PM Tehran Time]

Another video of the regime sponsored pro-government rally. This is frighteningly bizarre. Check out the Grim Reapers and the anti-American propaganda:

[6:00PM Tehran Time]

Video of large picture of Khamenei and Khomeini being torn down while people honk and cheer. “Marg bar diktator!” can be heard in the background.

[5:35PM Tehran Time]

There are reports many greens gathering and protesting in front of Iran’s notorious Evin prison, where many political prisoners are currently held.

[5:06PM Tehran Time]

A well-known Iranian blogger in the UK, Potkin Azarmehr provides details in his blog on what happened to Karroubi today. Karroubi suffered burn injuries to his face :

Many of Karroubi’s known supporters and associates were rounded up in recent days, some were imprisoned and some were forced to make written pledges not to take part in the protests today. Karroubi himself had received such a letter. Despite all this intimidation Karroubi set out to join the protesters at Sadeghieh Sq. at 10:00 am Tehran time as he had promised. From 8:00 am this morning however there were heavy clashes between people and the repressive forces around Sadeghieh Sq. The special units kept dispersing the people but the people kept returning.

Approaching Sadeghieh Sq. Karroubi decided to get out of his car and walk the rest of the way to Sadeghieh Sq. due to heavy car traffic. Around 500 people spontaneously started walking behind Karoubi without any chanting. After they had walked for 200 metres, a large group of hired thugs and Special Units on motor bikes attacked Karroubi and the people around him using machetes, knives and truncheons. They also used tear gas and shot people with paint pellets so that the paint marks would identify them later. The clashes were very severe and lasted 4 to 5 minutes. One of Karroubi’s bodyguards was hurt very badly and is in critical condition in hospital. Karroubi was finally whisked away and a car driver offered to take Karroubi away. Hired thugs then spotted the car driver and smashed his windscreen and windows but the driver put his foot down on the accelerator and managed to get away.

Karroubi’s son, Ali was arrested by Law Enforcement Forces and taken to unknown location. The 72 year old Karroubi is in high spirit but has suffered burns to his face.

Long Live Karroubi the Lionheart.

[4:55PM Tehran Time]

Unconfirmed: A report that regime security forces using pellet guns to shoot people. Many wounded.

[4:50PM Tehran Time]

Video showing helicopter flying over the crowd. In past protests since the rigged election in June 2009, helicopters were used extensively by the regime to track the movements of the crowds.

[4:38PM Tehran Time]

Video of Khamenei’s picture being trampled. You can hear someone saying, “Burn it!”

[4:20PM Tehran Time]

The day is nowhere near over, and what a day it has been. Once again, the people of Iran have faced the brutality of the regime. Yes there were pro-government rallies, but for weeks now we have known that the regime has spared no expense or effort to try to muster as many people as they can in a propaganda charade meant to distort the reality of the situation. The evidence is mounting that today is yet another victory for the opposition. Just the mere fact that anyone is protesting when faced with the brutality that the world has witnessed over the past 8 months is amazing enough. Itt is happening consistently: every time the regime attempts to celebrate or mark one of its own official days, the greens come out in full force and make their voices heard.

Of course the regime will attempt to spin it in their own favor, and will use the national wealth of the Iranian people, along with their monopoly on all state broadcasting mediums to try to convince the few remaining people that still believe they have popular support. But in this protracted struggle, where the media war is just as important as the war on the ground, it appears that it both instances the Green Movement is surviving. And that survival, in and of its own right, is a victory for the Iranian people. Because no matter how hard the regime tries to crush the dissent, they keep failing. Sooner or later, the system will have to adjust to the demands of the people.

An eyewitness told Radio Zamaneh that in Aryashar, in the west of Tehran, protesters are being beaten up by government forces. Anti-riot police have used electric batons to disperse the crowds and some protesters have been sighted with blood on their faces.

Nedaye Sabz Azadi also reports of shootings in that area as well as altercations in Vanak Square in the north. Reportedly some protesters detained in Vanak have been transferred to a building in Brazil Street.

Reformist websites report significant protester turnout in today’s demonstrations. Some Images of the protesting crowd have already been posted on You Tube.

The pro-government crowd is being hyped by the State media. Fars News Agency estimates “five million” government supporters have gathered in Tehran for the February 11 demonstration while Associated Press reported “hundreds of thousands” in Azadi Square.

Reportedly the Chairman of the Expediency Council, Ayatollah Rafsanjani was faced with antagonism of the pro-government crowd when he joined the demonstrations.

Meanwhile Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made no reference to the recent events and the current unrest in his speech today.

However, Mardomak website reports that during his speech the slogan “Liar! Liar!” could be heard. In several reports on Iran’s national broadcasts, images of today’s demonstrations have been aired without any sound.

[3:54PM Tehran Time]

Reports of people being shot with paint guns in Laleh Park, partially confirmed. This is a tactic the regime has been using in several of the major protests over the past 8 months in order to mark people for later identification and possible arrest.

[3:36PM Tehran Time]

Protesters at Sadeghiyeh chanting various slogans, one of which is “Referendum! Referendum! This is the will of the people!”. They want a referendum on the form of government for the country would be my guess.

Also have confirmation from Josh Shahryar that protests have occurred in the city of Shiraz now.

Protests in Tehran are still going.

[3:29PM Tehran Time]

Picture from Madyar on Twitter, showing heavy police and government security forces presence in the street:

[3:24PM Tehran Time]

Another video with chants of “Political prisoners must be freed!”:

[3:14PM Tehran Time]

More chaos. In this video people chant “Basiji Vahshee Shodeh!” or “The Basiji’s have gone wild.” Sheer anarchy is loosed. People strongly chant “Marg Bar Diktator!” or “Death to the Dictator”. People can be heard screaming in fear and confusion as what sounds like possibly gunshots being fired nearby.

[3:06PM Tehran Time]

Protesters chanting “Basiji, the threat of tanks does not have an effect on us!”

[2:54PM Tehran Time]

Another video from the pro-government rally. Tons of goons arrayed together, government loudspeakers booming:

[2:33PM Tehran Time]

A short but intense video. A protester shouts, “Basijis are attacking!” then after a few choice curses against them you hear “Marg Bar Khamenei!” or “Down With Khamenei!”, formerly very taboo, but now common-place to target the regime leader in chants:

[2:22PM Tehran Time]

Several more videos:

This one shows plainclothed Basiji thugs (pro-government vigilantes) on motorcycles, often doubled-up (guess the regime can’t afford a bike for each one). If you pause the video at exactly 10 seconds in, you’ll see what looks like a couple of masked goons. In the past, the this has been a hallmark of the Hezbullah goons. They are often involved some of the most brutal attacks. I have witnessed several videos in which they are savagely attacking people with knives and batons.

Video of protests purportedly in Esfahan:

Anti-government slogans can be heard and then people break into the patriotic song from the 1979 revolution and now seen in multiple protests since the June 12th, 2009 election, “Yare Dabestani”:

Another video showing some Basijis on motorbikes, and people gathering in protest. Protest chants can be heard in the distance. The person filming or someone close to him says, “Where is the gang?”, apparently separated from a group:

[1:55PM Tehran Time]

Time for a checkpoint. Information and videos are streaming in at a relatively steady clip. The pattern that is emerging appears to be one of sporadic clashes between groups of people in Tehran trying to make it to the main squares (like Azadi, Hafteh-Tir, Ferdowsi and others) while pro-government forces, Basij and IRGC attempt to prevent them from doing so and from forming into larger groups

Several reports have come in that former president and current head of the Expediency Council and Assembly of Experts, Hashemi Rafsanjani (a.k.a “The Shark” due to his years of Machiavellian politicking) has been seen in the crowds alongside the protesters. CNN Iran Desk reports having a video of Rafsanjani in the crowd, but we have not seen it yet. If this is true it is tremendously significant and big news. It would be a very bold move in direct defiance of Khamenei and will be seen as a huge challenge.

The reports could not be confirmed independently because the Iranian authorities imposed severe restrictions on news coverage since last June’s flawed presidential elections.

…flawed presidential election. Thank you New York Times for acknowledging that indeed, the election was flawed, something the mainstream media has been slow to publicly state.

[1:40PM Tehran Time]

Reports of many injuries in Esfahan.

[1:35PM Tehran Time]

As the videos start streaming in, there are reports of clashes in several cities: Tehran, Mashad, Esfahan.

[1:31PM Tehran Time]

Large crowd chanting loudly, suddenly chaos ensues:

[1:22PM Tehran Time]

First video showing pro-government rallies. Loud speakers bellow “Allah-o-Akbar” and other Arabic phrases. A scattering of government supporters chime in:

[1:16PM Tehran Time]

People at Valiasr chanting “Marg bar Russieh!” or “Down with Russia!”. Chants against Russia and China have been common because of the support that these states lend to the regime.

[1:11PM Tehran Time]

Another video from the metro: People singing. Near the end they the chant “Marg Bar Toh!” which means “Down with you!”. This is a common chant since the rigged elections, directed at Khamenei, Ahmadinejad and the dictatorial system in general:

[1:04PM Tehran Time]

Another video from the Metro. People chanting “Ya Hossein! Mir Hossein!”

[12:57PM Tehran Time]

Video, protesters chanting “Ya Hossein! Mir Hossein!” a regular chant since the rigged presidential elections on June 12th, 2009. It is an association of Mir Hossein Mousavi with the revered Shia martyr, Imam Hossein:

[12:50PM Tehran Time]

Another video. Protests on the metro.

“Marg bar diktator” or “Death to the dictator!”:

[12:35PM Tehran Time]

First video to come in purportedly from today from Tehran: People chanting “Referendum! Referendum!”

Incidentally, there are reports that chants of “Doorooghoo, Doorooghoo!” or “Liar! Liar!” chants being heard in state broadcasting inside Iran (IRIB)!

[12:14PM Tehran Time]

Just past noon in Tehran. No videos or audio out yet, but they do start to trickle in on major protests days around noon or shortly thereafter.

BREAKING NEWS: Reliable source Homy Lafayette states that Rahesabz has reported that shots have been fired at protestsers in AryaShahr, north of Azadi Square. Seeking confirmation.

[11:57AM Tehran Time]

Somehow we seem to have lost an update prior to the 11:40AM update in which we reported that Jaras had reported on the arrest of former president Khatami’s brother and his wife. We now have confirmation from multiple sources that they were let go, but told not to participate in the protests again.

We also have several confirmed reports that Mehdi Karroubi’s son, Ali Karroubi, has been arrested.

The latest reports from Tehran show people clashing with oppressive forces in Falake Sadeghie. Also in the north-eastern corner of Azadi square there is a large crowd shouting “Death to Dictator” and “We Are countless.”

The families of political prisoners are going toward Evin, and there is a large number accompanying them.

In Saadat Abad Square, the police stopped two Basiji vans for no reason and dealt harshly with them.

Mehdi Saharkhiz, prominent Green Movement activist and blogger active on Twitter and YouTube has warned that the earlier unconfirmed report of truck on fire in Sadeghiyeh Square is false.

Disinformation is rampant. We have to be extremely cautious.

[10:10AM Tehran Time]

There are reports of security forces beating people in Azadi Square and clashes in Sadeghi Square.

[10:07AM Tehran Time]

I have not been able to confirm the earlier unconfirmed report about the Canadian Embassy opening its doors. I am considering this story unreliable at this time.

[9:54AM Tehran Time]

Reza Saya, CNN’s correspondent on Iran news reports that pick-up trucks with speakers are roaming the streets, blaring pro-government slogans and songs. He also states hat an opposition website reports that Basij and security forces are deployed in front of state run media (Seda-o-Sima or “Voice and Visage), and that members of the basij are gathered in mosques near Azadi (Freedom) Square waiting for a call to be deployed.

Rahesabz website, a reliable opposition site, reports that security forces are deployed near state television buildings.

[9:42AM Tehran Time]

ePersian Radio, based in the U.S. reports that people in Tabriz, in Arak Square, are gathered protesting. Chant: “Today is a day of blood; Yazid will be overthrown”.

[9:35AM Tehran Time]

Prior to today there were multiple reports (including pictures) of massive government loudspeakers installed along protest routes, apparently intended to be used to drown out anti-government protests chants with government propaganda. I’m getting several reports that some of these may have been taken down by people.

[9:28AM Tehran Time]

Numerous reports of heavy security presence in Tehran.

An unconfirmed report that Gmail is completely inaccessible in Iran.

[9:18AM Tehran Time]

Confirmed: People gathering in Tabriz and in Tehran. No details on specific areas yet.

It’s early in the morning in Iran right now. So far not a whole lot to report. There serveral interesting unconfirmed reports:

(1) Unconfirmed: There is a report about a bus full of security forces entering Oroumieh set on fire in Aryashahr in Tehran.

(2) Unconfirmed: Several hundred people in Central Tabriz.

(3) Unconfirmed: Canadian Embassy in Tehran has opened its doors protesters.

I caution: ALL UNCONFIRMED AT THIS TIME. Will report if can confirm.

[8:30AM Tehran Time]

Since the rigged June 12th presidential election in Iran, the nation has experienced a whirlwind of political instability and conflict. A vast movement has formed in opposition to the government of Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the announced “winner” of the June 12th elections. This movement is a loosely organized coalition of diverse groups of people: The Green Movement. It came into being just before the elections, in support of one of the presidential contenders, Mir Hossein Mousavi, but after the rigged election the movement poured into the streets to peacefully protest. “Where is my vote?” was their question. It was answered with brutal crackdowns by various government forces: The Basij (a “volunteer” paramilitary force, many of its operatives don’t wear uniforms and are referred to as the Plainclothes), the IRGG (Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps), and other nefarious groups of mercenaries (rumoured to include foreign paid mercenaries, although this has not been fully confirmed).

Since June there have been numerous protests. We have live-blogged during each one. And each time, the people of Iran of stood firm against the worst kinds of terror, demanding justice and freedom.

The main opposition figure-heads, Mir Hossein Mousavi, Mohammad Khatami, and Mehdi Karroubi have all asked the people to attend today’s rallies marking the 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution. The goal: take the revolution back from the dictatorship of Khamenei.

Stay tuned. We intend to cover the whole day and beyond. It promises to be a pivotal day in the history of Iran.

About Dave Siavashi

Dave Siavashi is the Founder and Editor of Iran News Now. He provided coverage of breaking news and analysis on events in Iran during the unrest that followed the 2009 presidential election. One of the early journalists to use social media effectively to report on breaking events, his tweets and articles have been cited in The New York Times, The Daily Beast, Christian Science Monitor, Andrew Sullivan's The Daily Dish and publications.

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[...] am: More clashes. Radio Zamaaneh reports (via IranNewsNow): An eyewitness told Radio Zamaneh that in Aryashar, in the west of Tehran, protesters are being [...]

uncle jaque

Perhaps you’ve heard of the “Tea Party” movement over here in America – thus far very peaceful and we hope to keep it that way.

Some of us are expecting our own tyrannical wannabe dictator to have his ACORN and Union thugs steal our next elections like Achmiweeniewhackjob stole yours.

If that should happen, we’re looking at your situation and going “Oh Kakka!!! That could be happening right HERE on OUR streets in another year or two!

The Obama Syndicate is already setting up a strong military presence within the USA to help the government deal with “popular uprisings” and “insurrection”, and his “Homeland Security” Czars (yup; that’s what we call ‘em) have warned Police that anyone critical of our government, who owns guns, is a Veteran of Iraq or Afghanistan, or has a moral problem with legalized, institutionalized pre natal infanticide (AKA “Abortion”) is a “Domestic Terrorist” and should be dealt with accordingly.

Millions of Americans are hoarding food and billions of rounds of ammunition, and many are joining “militias” to train for guerrilla warfare and are establishing hide outs in the wilderness. It seems to be really big out West.

We’re getting ready for something that we pray never happens, but it’s not looking really good over here.

We watch events in Iran with interest, as they might be a preview of coming detractions which we may soon be having to endure.

Things are especially tense now that the Whackky one is bragging about his nuclear capability – we may be coming way too close to a nuclear war in the Middle East for anyone’s comfort.

“Mutually Assured Destruction” worked with the Soviet Union – they weren’t crazy or fanatically suicidal.

Unfortunately, the Ayatolla and Achmiweeniejob ARE.

In the meantime, I hope you don’t mind if some Christian Americans are lifting the Iranian Resistance up in prayer.

s

keep up the good reporting work. the video of the parade of grim reapers is … odd, lol. power to the people of iran!

http://www.jackliberty.com/2010/02/11/where-to-follow-the-iran-protests-live/ Where to follow the Iran protests live

[...] the best place on the web for the latest news and videos from the streets of Iran. You can also try Iran News Now, Robert Mackey or Andrew [...]

Good luck to you all!! It’s nice to see that you are trying to change to a more peaceful nation. If you all stand up together as one then there will be no way to stop your new revolution. Go to the royal palace and over run it and demand change. America is with you on this one. DOWN WITH TYRANNY!!!!!! DOWN WITH THE AYYATOLLAH!!!!!

Voice from the West

Thank you for your very important and righteous work! Though i am but one voice in the vast chorus of humanity, know that I am not alone in my solidarity with you and the Iranian people!

islam is created with satan. and satan always is against humanity, the only power can face against islam, is power of god, god is given me the power to destroy islam(allah) with his real followers.
then very soon world will find out muhammad is messenger of satan(allah) to destroy human.
and world will udrestand jesus is the ONLY way to god. AMEN

Salam va khasteh nabashid!
Thanks for your live-blogging and keeping us up to date. I agree with you that 22 Bahman was a success for us Greenies
By Greenies I mean our pluralistic and peaceful movement, demanding civil rights and political participation for everyone, regardless of belief and gender.
After 8 months of brutal oppression, with so many protesters killed, raped, tortured and still imprisoned, regardless of the crackdown on the press, jailing journalists and human rights defenders, the people came out again to defend their most fundamental human rights.
Honestly speaking, whom of us would dare to go on the streets, when a “cleric” orders the killing of peaceful protesters on “national” TV?
There have been some tactical mistakes surely, but this is a marathon, and the movement is ready to go for it to the end.
ma bishomarim!

This is a live-blog covering the first day of the 2013 Iran Presidential Election. We will provide coverage throughout the [...]...

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